Power conditioning and saving device

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a power factor adjustor comprising: a power factor measurement unit configured to measure the power factor on an input line to a load and generate a power factor correction signal based on the measured power factor; and a power factor adjustment unit connected to the power factor measurement unit comprising: a fixed capacitor connected in series to a first switching device; and an adjustable element having a variable capacitance connected in parallel to the fixed capacitor and in series to a second switching device, wherein the overall capacitance of the power factor adjustment unit is adjusted by adjusting the capacitance of the adjustable element or by toggling the first and second switching devices in response to the power factor correction signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED FILINGS

This non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/738,635, entitled“Power Conditioning and Saving Device,” filed on Dec. 18, 2012, and ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority under35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/055,558, filedOct. 16, 2013, which is a divisional application of and claims priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/664,734, filed Oct. 31, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,564,927, which is a non-provisional of and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/553,431, filed on Oct. 31, 2011, each of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to the supply of electrical power. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to reducing power expenditure in anelectrical power delivery system.

BACKGROUND

Electrical power companies and the customers of power companies have amutual interest in reducing the amount of power wasted in a powerdelivery system. Power companies engineer transmission lines,transformers, and generators to provide the power that all of theircustomers will draw. Even though some of the power drawn by thecustomers is not used by the customers, the power companies still haveto engineer transmission lines, transformers, and generators to providethis additional wasted power. Further, some power transmitted tocustomers is not used by the customers or wasted, but is “reflected”back to a power generator. Thus, the transmission lines have to carryboth the transmitted power and the reflected power. Not only does thismean that the transmission lines must be engineered to carry both thetransmitted and reflected power, but it also means that losses in thetransmission lines, transformers, and loads are increased because thereare losses both in the transmitted power and the reflected powertraveling through the power system.

The power factor is the ratio of the real power supplied to a customercompared to the sum of the power supplied to the customer and the powerreflected back to the power company is known as the power factor. Apower factor of 1 is considered ideal. Power companies typically chargeresidential customers only for real power. Industrial customers,however, may be charged for real power with an additional charge forpower factor. Usually, a power company may not apply an additionalcharge for power factors above a threshold, but industrial customers maybe charged in proportion to the power factor below that threshold. Thethreshold varies for each power company, but is generally between 0.85and 0.95. Thus, if the power company sets the threshold at 0.95, and thecustomer's power factor is 0.85, then the power company may charge afixed tariff on all of the real power used. Typical tariffs for poorpower factor can be about 10%.

Correcting power factor has benefits other than the cost of the power.The internal electrical capacity of the customer system increasesbecause lower currents are required to deliver the same power. As aresult, additional equipment can be powered without providing increasedcapacity wiring, switch boxes, and transformers. Voltage drops at thepoint of use may be reduced, and under-voltage reduces the load thatmotors can carry without overheating or stalling.

Reduced power factor can be caused by several mechanisms. A firstmechanism is reactive loads caused by capacitors, inductors, or somecombination of capacitors and inductors. These loads shift the phase ofthe current supplied to the customer relative to the voltage. The phaseshift means that during some parts of the alternating current (AC)cycle, excess power is delivered to the customer in addition to realpower consumed, and at other parts of the AC cycle, the excess power isreturned to the power company. The power factor reduction by thismechanism can be corrected by adding a suitable cancelling inductor orcapacitor to the customers power circuit. One issue with adding thecancelling inductor or capacitor is that the required inductor orcapacitor may vary depending on how the equipment of the customer isused. Some systems adapt to changing use by switching in or outadditional capacitors or inductors.

Nikola Tesla introduced induction motors. Induction motors present alagging power factor to the power line dependent on the load. A largeloaded induction motor can have a power factor as high as 0.90. Thepower factor for a small low speed motor can be as low as 0.5. Aninduction motor during a startup can have a power factor in the range of0.10 to 0.25, rising as the rotor spins faster.

As a second reduced power factor mechanism, a customer could not take asmuch power from all parts of the AC cycle. Switch mode power supplies,for example, take most power at the peak of the voltage cycle. Thistends to “flatten” the shape of the sine wave of the power signal,causing harmonics. The harmonics generate unwanted signals on the powerline that are reflected back toward the power company as well as othercustomers. The harmonics are, thus, wasted power, as far as the customeris concerned. The unwanted harmonics can be removed using filters.

A third reduced power factor mechanism is energy in the form of spikesand harmonics generated out side of the customer's premises that aretransmitted to the customer. Although, the spikes and harmonics travelthrough the power meter these spikes and harmonics cannot be usefullyused by the customer, and may harm equipment.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments described herein attempt to overcome the abovediscussed drawbacks of conventional systems. In particular, some of theembodiments herein attempt to reduce the power consumed by a load,increase the power factor of a load, reduce the harmonics and spikesgenerated by or sent to the customer, and reduce the electromagneticinterference (EMI) generated by or sent to the customer.

In one embodiment, a power factor adjustor comprises a power factormeasurement unit configured to measure the power factor on an input lineto a load and generate a power factor correction signal based on themeasured power factor; and a power factor adjustment unit connected tothe power factor measurement unit comprising: a fixed capacitorconnected in series to a first switching device; and an adjustableelement having a variable capacitance connected in parallel to the fixedcapacitor and in series to a second switching device, wherein theoverall capacitance of the power factor adjustment unit is adjusted byadjusting the capacitance of the adjustable element or by toggling thefirst and second switching devices in response to the power factorcorrection signal.

In another embodiment, an adjustable element comprises a containercomprises a non-conducting material; a first electrode positioned in thecontainer at a first end of the container, wherein the first electrodeis movable within the container; a second electrode positioned in thecontainer at a second end of the container; a compression materialpositioned in the container between the first and second electrodes; afirst connection connected to the first electrode and a secondconnection connected to the second electrode for connection to acircuit; and a compression device attached to the first electrode thatmoves the first electrode toward the second electrode to applycompression to the compression material and thereby change theelectrical properties of the adjustable element.

In yet another embodiment, an adjustable element comprises a containercomprised of a non-conducting material; a first electrode positioned inthe container at a first end of the container; a second electrodepositioned in the container at a second end of the container; acompression material positioned in the container between the first andsecond electrodes; a first connection connected to the first electrodeand a second connection connected to the second electrode for connectionto a circuit; and a coil wound around the container to produce amagnetic field within the compression material thereby changing theelectrical properties of the adjustable element.

In still yet another embodiment, a circuit comprises a capacitor; afirst adjustable element connected to a first terminal of the capacitorand configured to adjust the electrical properties of the firstadjustable element by compressing a compression material inside of thefirst adjustable element; and a second adjustable element connected to asecond terminal of the capacitor and configured to adjust the electricalproperties of the second adjustable element by compressing a compressionmaterial inside of the second adjustable element, wherein the first andsecond adjustable element adjust their electrical properties to controlthe charge discharged from the capacitor to a load.

In another embodiment, a filter comprises a harmonics detectorconfigured to detect harmonics generated by a load and send a signal ifharmonics are detected; and an adjustable element connected in parallelto a load and configured to adjust the Q factor of the adjustableelement to suppress the harmonics in response to the signal sent fromthe harmonics detector.

In yet another embodiment, a method for power factor adjustmentcomprises measuring the power factor on an input line to a load by apower factor measurement unit; generating a power factor correctionsignal by the power factor measurement unit based on the measured powerfactor; receiving the power factor correction signal by a power factoradjustment unit that has a fixed capacitor connected in parallel to anadjustable element; toggling a first switching device connected inseries to the fixed capacitor to adjust the capacitance of the powerfactor adjustment unit in response to the power factor correctionsignal; and adjusting the electrical properties of the adjustableelement having a variable capacitance to further adjust the capacitanceof the power factor adjustment unit in response to the power factorcorrection signal.

In still yet another embodiment, a power factor adjustment unitcomprises a fixed capacitor connected in series to a switching device;and an adjustable element having a variable capacitance connected inparallel to the fixed capacitor, wherein the overall capacitance of thepower factor adjustment unit is adjusted by adjusting the electricalproperties of the adjustable element.

In another embodiment, a energy storage device comprises a containercomprised of a non-conducting material; a compression materialpositioned in the container; a first terminal for connecting an externalcircuit to the compression material; a second terminal for connectingthe compression material to the external circuit; and a compressiondevice positioned in the container that applies a fixed force tocompress the compression material.

In yet another embodiment, a energy storage device comprises a containercomprised of a non-conducting material and having an inner cavity; acompression material in the inner cavity of the container; a firstterminal for connecting an external circuit to the compression material;a second terminal for connecting the compression material to theexternal circuit; a compression device positioned in the container thatmoves between a first position and a second position, wherein the firstposition applies compression to the compression material in the innercavity and the second position relieves compression on the compressionmaterial in the inner cavity; and a temperature dependent movementdevice that moves the compression device between the first position andthe second position based on the temperature of the energy storagedevice.

A energy storage device comprising: a container comprised of anon-conducting material; a powdered magnetite mix positioned in thecontainer; a first terminal for connecting an external circuit to thepowdered magnetite mix; a second terminal for connecting the powderedmagnetite mix to the external circuit; and a compression devicepositioned in the container that applies a fixed force to compress thepowdered magnetite mix.

In still yet another embodiment, a method for recharging a energystorage device that includes two terminals and a compression materialcomprising magnetite that is compressed by a compression device applyinga fixed force to the compression material during operation of the energystorage device, the method comprises applying a magnetic field to theenergy storage device; determining the north and south poles of themagnetic field using a magnetic field sensor; and orienting the energystorage device such that terminals of the energy storage device arerespectively pointing toward the north and south poles of a magneticfield as determined by the magnetic field sensor.

In another embodiment, a method of preventing overheating of a energystorage device comprises measuring an internal temperature of a energystorage device by a temperature measuring device; determining whetherthe internal temperature of the energy storage device is above atemperature threshold; and applying a force to a compression materialusing a compression device if the internal temperature of the energystorage device is below the temperature threshold.

In yet another embodiment, a method of using a energy storage devicecomprises compressing a compression material contained within the energystorage device using a compression device; connecting a first terminalto an external circuit; receiving a current from the external circuitthrough the first terminal; transmitting the current from the firstterminal to the compression material; storing a charge in thecompression material; connecting a second terminal to the externalcircuit; and driving a current to the external circuit by passing chargestored in the compression material through the second terminal.

In still yet another embodiment, a method of using a energy storagedevice comprises connecting a first terminal to an external circuit;receiving a current from the external circuit at the first terminal;transmitting the current from the first terminal to a charge-storingmaterial contained within the energy storage device, wherein thecharge-storing material comprises magnetite; storing a charge in thecharge-storing material; connecting a second terminal to the externalcircuit; and driving a current to the external circuit by passing chargestored in the charge-storing material through the second terminal.

Additional features and advantages of an embodiment will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription. The objectives and other advantages of the invention willbe realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out inthe exemplary embodiments in the written description and claims hereofas well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification andillustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with thespecification, explain the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a power system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a power system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system for automatically adjusting power factor,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates the power factor adjustment unit, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an enclosure for a power factor adjustment unit,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an enclosure for a power factor adjustment unit thatdoes not incorporate a power factor measurement unit, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary installation of several power factoradjusters, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary use of a single power factor adjusterfor multiple loads, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an adjustable element, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an adjustable element, according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an adjustable element, according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates an adjustable element, according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an equivalent circuit for the adjustable element,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a system that uses an adjustable element to improvethe power factor, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a system for the use of an adjustable element as asurge arrester, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a transformer incorporating an adjustable element,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates an electric motor incorporating an adjustableelement, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18A illustrates a system for the use of an adjustable element as avariable resistor to limit the discharge of a capacitor according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18B illustrates a system for the use of an adjustable elementaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18C illustrates an adjustable element according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 18D illustrates a system for the use of an adjustable elementaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18E illustrates a system for the use of an adjustable elementaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18F illustrates a system for the use of an adjustable elementaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18G illustrates a system for the use of an adjustable elementaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18H illustrates a system for the use of an adjustable elementaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates an adjustable element, according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates adjustment unit setting versus power factor for theinduction motor and power factor adjustment unit combination, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates the percentage savings due to the use of the powerfactor adjustment unit, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates an energy storage device according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates an energy storage device according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 24 illustrates an energy storage device according to an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments and aspects of the invention will be described withreference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings willillustrate the various embodiments. The following description anddrawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construedas limiting the invention. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the presentinvention. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventionaldetails are not described in order to provide a concise discussion ofembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary power system 100. A power companysupplies power to a power grid 105. The power is transmitted over thepower grid 105 as electrical energy to a consumer 110. The consumer 110has a meter 115 provided by the power company to measure the powerconsumed by the consumer 110. The power is consumed by one or more loads120 operated by the consumer 110. Ideally, all the power supplied by thepower grid 105 and metered by the meter 115 is consumed by the load 120.However, in practice, some of the power is reflected from the load backthrough the meter 115 to the power grid 105, some of the power isradiated from the wiring 125, and some of the power is wasted as heat inthe wiring 125. Power transmitted to the load and reflected back to thepower grid 105 causes heating of the wiring 125, both on the way to theload and as any power is reflected back.

FIG. 2 illustrates a power system 200, according to an exemplaryembodiment. A power company supplies power to a customer 210 via powergrid 205. The customer is metered by meter 215. Between the meter 215and the load 220 is a power factor adjuster 230. The power factoradjuster 230 performs several functions, including recycling reflectedpower from the load back to the load and reducing the total powerconsumption of the load. The power factor adjuster can also filter thespikes and harmonics coming from the power grid before they reach theload, thereby preventing dissipation of harmonics and spikes in theload. Moreover, the power factor adjuster filters spikes and harmonicsgenerated by the load. The power factor adjuster also reduces EMI due tofiltering the spikes and harmonics that cause EMI.

When supplied with an alternating current (AC), resistive loads, forexample, resisters, use all of the power supplied to the load. Reactiveloads, however, that include capacitance, inductance, or somecombination of capacitance and inductance, do not dissipate all of thepower supplied to the load. The reactive components store energy at oneperiod of the alternating current cycle and then release the energyduring a subsequent period of the alternating cycle. The capacitancestores the energy in an electric field, whereas inductance stores theenergy in a magnetic field. The released energy is reflected back alongthe wiring to the power grid. The reflected energy, thus, has to beunnecessarily transmitted to the load, and unnecessarily reflected backthe power grid wasting energy in transmission losses in both directions.If the voltages and currents on the wiring 225 are observed, the powerfactor for pure capacitive or inductive loads is the cosine of the phaseangle between the voltage and current in the wiring 225. If the voltageand current are exactly in phase, the power factor is one, and the powerflowing to the load is the RMS voltage multiplied by the RMS current. Ifthe voltage and current are 90° or 270° out of phase, then the powerfactor is zero, and no average power is supplied to the load. If thevoltage and current are exactly out of phase, then power is flowing fromthe load to the grid. For the above combinations of pure inductive andpure capacitive loads, the RMS power supply to the load, P, is given by

|P|=|S∥cos θ|,

where S is the apparent power measured by the RMS voltage multiplied bythe RMS current, and θ is the phase angle between the voltage and thecurrents on the wiring 225. Many different loads can have significantinductance, including motors, transformers, electromagnets, andsolenoids. Loads that have significant capacitance are not so common. Ifan inductive load is coupled to a correctly sized capacitive load, theinductive and capacitive loads cancel the effects of one another bypassing energy back and forth between the capacitive and inductive load.This prevents the energy from being reflected back to the power grid.The capacitor is sized so that the phase angle between the voltage andcurrent is close to zero. The value of the capacitance depends on theinductance of the load and the resistance of the load and thecapacitance of the load. For some loads, the values of the capacitance,the resistance, and the inductance are constant, but for most loads, theresistance and the inductance vary. For example, an unloaded motor has ahigh inductance an a high apparent resistance due to back electromotiveforce (EMF) generated by the motor as the rotor turns. As the motor isloaded, the apparent resistance drops as the back EMF is reduced. Thus,as the load on the motor changes, so does the value of the capacitorrequired. Although a capacitor can be sized for steady state conditions,the capacitor will not be the appropriate size if conditions change.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 for automatically adjusting power factoraccording to an exemplary embodiment. The system 300 comprises a load305, a power factor adjuster unit 310, and a power factor measurementunit 315. The power factor adjustment unit 310 and the power factormeasurement unit 315 may be included in a power factor adjuster 307. Thepower factor measurement unit 315 measures the power factor on the inputline 320. The measurement can be performed in a number of ways. Forexample, the current and voltage waveforms can be sampled, and phaseangles can be calculated for the current and voltage. The phase anglebetween the current and the voltage is then calculated based on thedifference between the phase angle of the current in the voltage. Thepower factor is the cosine of the difference angle. Alternatively, thecurrent and voltage can be sampled, multiplied together, and averaged tofind the power transmitted to the load. The real power can then bedivided by the apparent power, S, to find the power factor. Based on themeasured power factor, the power factor measurement unit 315 generates apower factor correction signal to correct for the power factor.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the power factor measurement unit 315 isconnected to the power factor adjuster unit 310 and sends power factorcorrection signal to the power factor adjuster unit 310. The powerfactor adjuster unit 310 adjusts a capacitance of the power factoradjuster unit 310 to reduce the power factor of the load 305.

The power factor measurement unit 315 can be adapted to adjust thesignal sent to the power factor adjuster unit 310 in a number of ways.In some embodiments, the power factor measurement unit 315 is configuredto measure the power factor on the input line 320 and calculate theexact capacitance required to correct the power factor. In someembodiments, the power factor measurement unit 315 and the power factoradjuster unit 310 form a control system. The power factor measurementunit 315 measures the power factor and calculates if the currentcapacitance provided by the power factor adjuster unit 310 is too highor too low. The power factor measurement unit 315, based on the abovecalculation, sends a signal to the power factor adjuster unit thateither (a) increases the capacitance provided by the power factoradjuster unit 310 if the capacitance is too low, or (b) decreases thecapacitance provided by the power factor adjuster unit 310 if thecapacitance is too high. In this manner, the control system 300continuously adapts to changing power factors and loads. The controlsystem 300 can be designed to be the stable when adjusting the powerfactor. The stabilization can be provided using, for example, dominantpole compensation.

In some embodiments, the power factor measurement unit 315 can be formedfrom discrete electronic components. In other embodiments, the powerfactor measurement unit 315 can be formed from an ASIC device, aprogrammable microcomputer chip, or a dedicated electronic chip.

FIG. 4 illustrates a power factor adjustment unit 405, according to anexemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the power factor adjustmentunit 405 contains a power factor measurement unit 410, similar to thepower factor measurement unit 315. In other embodiments, the powerfactor measurement unit 410 is external to the power factor adjustmentunit 405. In yet other embodiments, the power factor adjustment unit 405is manually controlled by manual switches and adjustment knobs, and nopower factor measurement unit 410 is required.

The power factor adjustment unit 405 comprises fixed capacitors 415 andan adjustable element 420. Although two capacitors are depicted in thisexemplary embodiment, each of the one or more fixed capacitors 415 canhave the same or different capacitance, such that switching a fixedcapacitor can be in equal increments or other sized increments. Eachfixed capacitor 415 is connected in series with at least one switch 425and at least one optional fuse 430 across power supply lines 440connected to a load. The adjustable element 420 is also connected inseries with a switch 425 and an optional fuse 430. The switches 425allow the fixed capacitors 415 and the adjustable element 420 to beswitched in and out of the circuit. The fuses 430 protect the capacitors415, a power supply connected to power input wiring 450, and the loadfrom current surges.

In some embodiments, the switches 425 are mechanical switches, forexample, relay switches, reed-relay switches, mechanical switches withsolenoid actuators, or mechanical switches with motorized actuators. Inother embodiments, the switches 425 are solid-state switches, forexample, transistors, thyristors, triacs, or solid-state relays.

An additional fuse 435 protects all of the capacitors 415, theadjustable element 420, and the load from current surges. In someembodiments, the switches 425 are controlled manually. In otherembodiments, the switches 425 are controlled by the power factormeasurement unit 410 via wiring 445. In some embodiments, the adjustableelement 420 is controlled manually. In other embodiments, the adjustableelement 420 is controlled by the power factor measurement unit 410 viawiring 445.

An optional indicator 455 may be connected across the supply lines 440and the output of the power factor adjustment unit 405. The optionalindicator 455 allows an operator to see if the adjustment unit 405 isstill in operation or if the fuse 435 has blown. Additional optionalindicators may also be placed in parallel with the capacitors 415 andthe adjustable element 420. The additional optional indicators allow anoperator to see which switches 425 are closed and which fuses 430 may beblown. The indicator 435 and the additional indicators are mounted inthe power factor adjustment unit 405, so that they are visible from theoutside of any enclosure for the power factor adjustment unit 405. Theoptional indicators 455, 435 can be an LED light, gauge, a device thatchanges color upon a trigger, a device that physically moves upon atrigger, a device that extends upon a trigger, or another indicatordevice for displaying a status of the adjustment unit or fuse. Inanother embodiment, a display unit may replace the indicators 455, 435.The display unit may display the number of amps, volts, and watts thatare being saved by the power factor adjustment unit 405 by connectingthe power factor adjustment unit 405 to a load. The display unit mayalso display other important pieces of information about the powerfactor adjustment unit 405, such as the power factor correction value ofthe power factor adjustment unit 405 at any time. The display unit mayalso report that status of the power factor adjustment unit 405,including a failure or errors occurring within the power factoradjustment unit 405.

An optional power switch 460 may be placed in series with one or moreoff the input power wiring 450, thereby allowing the power to beswitched off manually.

Depending upon which of the switches 425 are closed or open, thecapacitance of the power factor adjustment unit 405 can be changed. Theadjustable element 420 allows the power factor adjustment unit 405 to beadjusted to provide capacitance values in between capacitance valuesattainable by combinations of the capacitors 415. In this exemplaryembodiment, the capacitors 415 range in value from about 1 μF to 100 μF.However, any value of capacitance compatible with embodiments of thedisclose in within the scope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the power factor adjustment unit 405 does notcontain any fixed capacitors 415, but rely solely on the capacitance ofthe adjustable element 420.

In some embodiments, the adjustable element 420 is a variable capacitor.In other embodiments, the adjustable element 420 is a variable inductoror a variable resistor. In yet other embodiments, the adjustable element420 is an element that has adjustable resistance, capacitance, andinductance. In still yet other embodiments, the adjustable element 420has adjustable nonlinear properties and may include elements theproperties of which change in a nonlinear fashion as the voltage acrossor the current through the adjustable element change. The adjustablenonlinear properties of the adjustable element 420 may also exhibithysteresis, in which the instant properties of the adjustable element420 are dependent on the history of the current through and the voltageacross the adjustable element 420. The adjustable element 420 haselectrodes 421 at each end that are connected to a material 422 betweenthe electrodes 421. The material 422 is responsible for the electricalproperties of the adjustable element 420.

In operation, the power factor measurement unit 410 switches theswitches 425 of the capacitors 415 to approximately adjust the powerfactor. Then, if necessary, the power factor measurement unit 410 causesadjustment of the adjustable element 420 using one of the methodsdescribed above to fine tune the adjustment unit 405. The switch 425 inseries with the adjustable element 420 allows the adjustable element 420to be prevented from affecting the circuit if, for example, the loadattached to power supply lines 440 does not require any load factorcorrection.

FIG. 5 illustrates an enclosure 505 for the power factor adjustment unit405, according to an exemplary embodiment. The input power wires 510correspond to the power input wiring 450. The output wires 515correspond to the power supply lines 440 connected to the load. Anindicator 520 corresponds to the indicator 455 across power supply lines440. Indicators 525 correspond to optional indicators placed across thecapacitors 415 and the adjustable element 420 to indicate if theswitches 425 are closed and the fuses 430 are not blown. Fuse holders530 contain the fuses 430, 435 for easy replacement. Switch 535corresponds to the optional main power switch 460.

FIG. 6 illustrates an enclosure 605 for a power factor adjustment unitthat does not incorporate power factor measurement unit 410. The inputpower wires 610 correspond to the power input wiring 450. The outputwires 615 correspond to the power supply lines 440 connected to theload. An indicator 620 corresponds to the indicator 455 across powersupply lines 440. Indicators 625 correspond to optional indicatorsplaced across the capacitors 415 and the adjustable element 420, toindicate if the switches 425 are closed and the fuses 430 are not blown.Fuse holders 630 contain the fuses 430, 435 for easy replacement. Switch635 corresponds to the optional main power switch 460. In the enclosure605, the switches 425 correspond to manual mechanical switches 640 onthe outside of the enclosure 605. Adjustable element 420 is controlledby adjustment knob 645.

The adjustment knob 645 may be directly attached to the adjustableelement 420 and can be used to mechanically adjust parameters of theadjustable element 420. Alternatively, the adjustment knob 645 may beconnected to an electronic adjustment circuit. The electronic adjustmentcircuit may convert the position of the adjustment knob 645 into avoltage or a current supplied to the adjustable element 420. Theadjustment circuit may also supply signals to an actuator thatmechanically adjusts parameters of the adjustable element 420.

A power factor adjuster can be placed in a number of locations in thepower system of a facility. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary installationof several power factor adjusters, according to an exemplary embodiment.A facility 710 is fed power by power grid 705. A meter 715, meters thepower flowing into the facility 710 to loads 720-740. Power factoradjuster 745 is mounted in close proximity to a load 720 and correctsthe power factor of load 720 to be close to unity. The power factoradjuster 750 is mounted in close proximity to the load 725 and correctsthe power factor of load 725 to be close to unity. The power factoradjuster 755 is mounted in close proximity to loads 730 and 735. Powerfactor adjuster 755 corrects the power factor of the combined loads 730and 735 to be close to unity. Thus, the overall power factor seen at themeter 715 appears close to unity because each of the loads 720-735 iscorrected. As in FIG. 7, a power factor adjuster can be connectedbetween a load and the remaining power system, for example, loads 720,725. Alternatively, more than one load, for example, loads 730, 735 canbe corrected simultaneously by a single power factor adjuster, forexample, power factor adjuster 750. Some loads, for example, load 740,have a power factor that is already close to unity and, therefore, doesnot require a power factor adjuster. In general, any combination of loadmay be corrected by one or more power factor adjusters, the power factoradjusters being placed close to a single load in some instances andcorrecting multiple loads in other instances.

The power factor adjusters 745-755 can be physically placed in a case orenclosure of the corresponding load 720-735, the switchbox for thecorresponding load 720-735, or at any position along the wiring to thecorresponding load 720-735. The power factor adjuster can be a separatecomponent, integrated with original equipment manufacturer components,or added as an aftermarket component.

Each of the power factor adjusters 745-755 may be configured to monitorthe amount of power, voltage, and amperage drawn by the correspondingloads 720-735. The power factor adjusters 745-755 may be programmed withan acceptable range for each of the corresponding loads 720-735. Theacceptable range may be a low and high threshold values of a voltage,amperage, or wattage drawn by the loads 720-735 under normal operatingconditions. If the loads 720-735 are not operating within the acceptablerange, the loads may be malfunctioning. The power factor adjusters745-755 may also include a communication device configured to sends amessage to another device when the corresponding load 720-735 are notoperating within the acceptable range. The communication device maytransmit messages through wired or wireless communication methods, forexample WiFi, Bluetooth, radio frequencies, infrared, or any othercommunication method to send a message.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary use of a single power factor adjusterfor multiple loads, according to an embodiment. A facility 810 ispowered by power grid 805. A meter 815 can meter the power flowing intothe facility 810 to loads 820-840. A power factor adjuster 845 correctsthe power factor of the combined loads 820-835. Load 840 has a powerfactor that is already close to unity and, therefore, does not require apower factor adjuster and is connected directly to the meter 815.

The power factor adjuster 845 can be physically placed in a case orenclosure of any of the loads 820-835, the switchbox for of any of theloads 820-835, or at any position along the wiring to of any of theloads 820-835. The power factor adjuster can be a separate component,integrated with original equipment manufacturer components, or added asan aftermarket component.

In addition to power factor adjustment, the power factor adjustor 845may be used as a circuit breaker. The power factor adjustor 845 may beconfigured to detect a fault condition and immediately discontinueelectrical flow to the loads 820-835 when the fault condition isdetected.

In addition, the power factor adjustor 845 may adjust the power factorof a load receiving three-phase power. In order to account forthree-phase power, the power factor adjustor 845 comprises three powerfactor adjustors each connected to one of the three circuit conductorscarrying the three phases of the three-phase power. Using three powerfactor adjustors, the power factor adjustor 845 may receive up to 480Vof three-phase power from the power grid 805.

FIG. 9 illustrates an adjustable element 900, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The adjustable element 900 can be used as the adjustableelement 420 shown in FIG. 4 and can be configured to operate without theuse of the fixed capacitors 415. The adjustable element 900 comprises acontainer 905. The container 905 may be made from any non-conductingmaterial, for example, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene,polypropylene, Teflon, alumina, glass, resin, fiberglass resin,Bakelite, or any other insulating material compatible with embodimentsof the disclosure. The container 905 has electrodes 910, 915 positionedat each end. In some embodiments, both of the electrodes 910, 915 arefixed. In other embodiments, one of the electrodes is fixed, and theother electrode is movable. In yet other embodiments, 910, 915 are bothmovable. In some embodiments, one of the electrodes, for example,electrodes 910, as shown in FIG. 9, has a spring 945 between the insideof the container 905 and the electrodes 910. The spring providespressure on the back of the electrodes 910, pushing the electrode 910toward the electrode 915. The spring 945 makes adjustment of thecompression of a material 940 between the electrodes 910 and 915 morereliable.

The electrodes 910, 915 may be made from copper, gold, silver,palladium, platinum, ruthenium, nickel, iron, aluminum, tungsten,titanium, titanium nitrite, tantalum, tantalum nitride, chromium, lead,cadmium, zinc, manganese, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate,lithium manganese oxide, nickel oxyhydroxide, or any combination of theabove or any other metals compatible with embodiments of the disclosure.The electrodes maybe formed of one or more of the above metals and thencoated in a second of the above metals. The electrodes 910, 915 may alsobe made of semiconductor materials, for example, carbon in the form ofdiamond or graphite, silicon, silicon carbide, germanium or anycombination of those semiconductors with each other, or with one of theabove metals. In some embodiments, the electrodes 910, 915 are made ofthe same material. In other embodiments, the electrodes 910, 915 aremade of different materials.

Electrode 915 is movable using compression device 920. Pushing orpulling the compression device 920 in the direction of the arrows 925causes the compression device 920 to slide through a hole in thecontainer 905 in the direction of arrows 935. The compression device 920is attached to the moving electrode 915 and pushes the moving electrode915 toward or away from electrode 910.

Between the electrodes 910 and 915 a material 940 is placed. Thematerial 940 is compressed by moving electrode 915 toward electrodes910, as discussed above. The material 940 allows current to flow betweenthe electrodes 910, 915 and is responsible for the electrical propertiesof the adjustable element 900. Compressing the material 940 changes theelectrical properties.

A set screw 930 is placed in a threaded hole in the container 905. Theset screw 930 in the container 905 extends from the outside of thecontainer and through the hole in the container in which the compressiondevice 920 is placed. When the current compression device has beenpositioned so that the correct electrical properties for the adjustableelement 900 are achieved, the set screw 930 can be tightened against thecompression device 920, thereby preventing the compression device frommoving. Connections 950 to the electrodes 910, 915 via compressiondevice 920 allow the adjustable element 900 to be connected in thecircuit, for example, as adjustable element 420 in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the material 940 comprises powdered magnetite(Fe₃O₄ or FeO.Fe₂O₃). In some embodiments, powdered magnetite is theonly material in between the electrodes 910, 915. In some embodiments,the powdered magnetite is mixed with liquid. The liquid may be a mineraloil, synthetic oil, a liquid electrolyte, or semi-solid electrolyte. Insome embodiments, the powdered magnetite is mixed with other powderedmaterials. The other powdered materials may include any allotrope ofcarbon, such as diamond or graphite, quartz, sapphire, beryl, gold,copper, silver, platinum, palladium, nickel, molybdenum, aluminum,molybdenum disulfide, titanium disulfide, silica, corundum, powderedrare earth magnetic materials, titanium sesquioxide, tin doped withfluorine or antimony or any other powdered material compatible withembodiments of this disclosure. The materials maybe in eithercrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous form. For example, thematerial 940 may include half magnetite and half carbon. In someembodiments, no magnetite powder is included, and only one or more ofthe above powdered materials other than magnetite is included in thecontainer 905. In some embodiments, the magnetite and/or other powderedmaterial is positioned between the electrodes in a hardened resin. Inother embodiments, the material may be heated before use to adjust theelectrical properties of the material.

FIG. 10 illustrates an adjustable element 1000, according to anotherembodiment. The adjustable element 1000 can be used as the adjustableelement 420 in FIG. 4. The adjustable element 1000 comprises a container1005. The container 1005 may be made from any non-conducting material,for example, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon,alumina, glass, resin, fiberglass resin, Bakelite, or any otherinsulating material compatible with embodiments of the disclosure. Thecontainer 1005 has electrodes 1010, 1015 positioned at each end. In someembodiments, both of the electrodes 1010, 1015 are fixed. In otherembodiments, one of the electrodes for example, electrodes 1010 and theother electrode is movable. In yet other embodiments, 1010, 1015 areboth movable. In some embodiments, one of the electrodes, for example,electrodes 1010, as shown in FIG. 10, has a spring 1045 between theinside of the container 1005 and the electrodes 1010. The springprovides pressure on the back of the electrode 1010, which pushes theelectrode 1010 toward the electrode 1015. The spring 1045 can allow foradjustment of the compression of a material 1040 between the electrodes1010 and 1015 to be more reliable.

The electrodes 1010, 1015 may be made from copper, gold, silver,palladium, platinum, ruthenium, nickel, iron, aluminum, tungsten,titanium, titanium nitrite, tantalum, tantalum nitride, chromium, lead,cadmium, zinc, manganese, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate,lithium manganese oxide, nickel oxyhydroxide, or any combination of theabove or any other metals compatible with embodiments of the disclosure.The electrodes maybe formed of one of the above metals and then coatedin a second of the above metals. The electrodes 1010, 1015 may also bemade of semiconductor materials, for example, carbon in the form ofdiamond or graphite, silicon, silicon carbide, germanium or anycombination of those semiconductors with each other, or with one of theabove metals.

Electrode 1015 is movable using compression device 1020. Turning thecompression device 1020 in the direction of the arrows 1025 causesscrews thread 1030 that engages with a threaded hole in the container1005 to move in the direction of arrows 1035. The compression device1020 is attached to the moving electrode 1015. The compression device1020 pushes electrode 1015 toward or away from electrode 1010.

A material 1040 is placed between the electrodes 1010, 1015. Thematerial 1040 is compressed by moving electrode 1015 toward electrode1010, as discussed above. The material 1040 allows current to flowbetween the electrodes 1010, 1015 and is responsible for the electricalproperties of the adjustable element 1000. Compressing the material 1040changes the electrical properties.

Connections 1050 to the electrodes 1010 and 1015 via compression device1020, allow the adjustable element 1000 to be connected in the circuit,for example, as adjustable element 420 in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the material 1040 comprises powdered magnetite. Insome embodiments, powdered magnetite is the only material in between theelectrodes 1010, 1015. In some embodiments, the powdered magnetite ismixed with liquid. The liquid may be a mineral oil, synthetic oil, aliquid electrolyte, or semi-solid electrolyte. In some embodiments, thepowdered magnetite is mixed with other powdered materials. The otherpowdered materials may include carbon as graphite or diamond, quartz,sapphire, beryl, gold, copper, silver, platinum, palladium, nickel,molybdenum, aluminum, molybdenum disulfide, titanium disulfide, silica,corundum, powdered rare earth magnetic materials, or any other powderedmaterial compatible with embodiments of this disclosure. The materialsmaybe in either crystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous form. Forexample, the material 1040 may include half magnetite and half carbon.In some embodiments, no magnetite powder is included, and only one ormore of the above powdered materials other than magnetite is included inthe container 1005. In some embodiments, the magnetite and/or otherpowdered material is positioned between the electrodes in a hardenedresin. In other embodiments, the material may be heated before use toadjust the electrical properties of the material.

Alternatively, FIG. 11 illustrates another adjustable element 1100,according to an exemplary embodiment. The adjustable element 1100 can beused as the adjustable element 420 in FIG. 4. The adjustable element1100 comprises a container 1105. The container 1105 has electrodes 1110,1115 positioned at each end. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the compressiondevice 920 or 1020 of FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively, is replaced by adifferent compression device, for example, a piezoelectric actuator1145. Piezoelectric actuator 1145 may be placed between the electrode1115 and the inside of the container 1105 to push the electrode 1115toward or away from the electrode 1110. Alternatively, a magneticactuator may be used instead of piezoelectric actuator 1145. Themagnetic actuator is placed between the electrode 1115 and the inside ofthe container 1105 to push electrode 1115 toward or away from electrode1110. In yet another embodiment, a permanent magnet may be used insteadof piezoelectric actuator 1145. The permanent magnet is placed betweenelectrode 1115, and the inside of the container 1105. A second permanentmagnet outside of the container may be positioned by an actuator toattract or repel the permanent magnet inside the container, thus,pushing the electrode 1115 toward or away from electrode 1110.

In some embodiments, one of the electrodes, for example, electrodes1110, as shown in FIG. 10, has a spring 1150 between the inside of thecontainer 1105 and the electrodes 1110. The spring provides pressure onthe back of the electrode 1110, pushing the electrode 1110 toward theelectrode 1115. The spring 1150 makes adjustment of the compression of amaterial 1140 between the electrodes 1110 and 1115 more reliable.

The electrodes 1110, 1115 may be made from copper, gold, silver,palladium, platinum, ruthenium, nickel, iron, aluminum, tungsten,titanium, titanium nitrite, tantalum, tantalum nitride, chromium, lead,cadmium, zinc, manganese, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate,lithium manganese oxide, nickel oxyhydroxide, or any combination of theabove or any other metals compatible with embodiments of the disclosure.The electrodes maybe formed of one of the above metals and then coatedin a second of the above metals. The electrodes 1110, 1115 may also bemade of semiconductor materials, for example, carbon in the form ofdiamond or graphite, silicon, silicon carbide, germanium or anycombination of those semiconductors with each other, or with one of theabove metals.

Connections 1155 to the electrodes 1110 and 1115 via compression device1120 allow the adjustable element 1100 to be connected in the circuit,for example, as adjustable element 420 in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the material 1140 comprises powdered magnetite. Insome embodiments, powdered magnetite is the only material in between theelectrodes 1110 and 1115. In some embodiments, the powdered magnetite ismixed with liquid. The liquid may be a mineral oil, synthetic oil, aliquid electrolyte, or semi-solid electrolyte. In some embodiments, thepowdered magnetite is mixed with other powdered materials. The otherpowdered materials may include carbon as graphite or diamond, quartz,sapphire, beryl, gold, copper, silver, platinum, palladium, nickel,molybdenum, aluminum, molybdenum disulfide, titanium disulfide, silica,corundum, powdered rare earth magnetic materials, or any other powderedmaterial compatible with embodiments of this disclosure. The materialsmaybe in either crystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous form. Forexample, the material 1140 may include half magnetite and half carbon.In some embodiments, no magnetite powder is included, and only one ormore of the above powdered materials other than magnetite is included inthe container 1105. In some embodiments, the magnetite and/or otherpowdered material is positioned between the electrodes in a hardenedresin. In other embodiments, the material may be heated before use toadjust the electrical properties of the material.

An alternative actuation system can be constructed by using an actuatorto turn the compression device 1020 (FIG. 10) to compress the powder.Possible actuators include, a stepper motor or geared motor to turn thecompression device 1020.

FIG. 12 illustrates an adjustable element 1200, according to anembodiment. The adjustable element 1200 can be used as the adjustableelement 420 in FIG. 4. The adjustable element 1200 comprises a container1205. The container 1205 has electrodes 1210, 1215 positioned at eachend and a compression device 1220. As illustrated in FIG. 12, a coil1245 is wound around the container 1205. A current can be passed throughthe coil 1245, thereby producing a magnetic field within the magnetitepowder material 1240 in the container 1205. The additional magneticfield generated by the current and the coil 1245 causes the powder to bemagnetized. The magnetized magnetite powder has different inductiveproperties than the non-magnetized magnetite powder. Thus, applicationof the current through the coil 1245 changes, the inductive propertiesof the adjustable element. Further, the magnetized magnetite powderparticles are attracted to other magnetized magnetite powder particles,causing the powder to compress. The compression causes the resistanceand the capacitance of the adjustable element change. Alternatively,rather than using the coil 1245, the magnetic field can be provided byan external electromagnet or permanent magnet. The position of thepermanent magnet or the electromagnet can be adjusted to change theintensity and direction of the magnetic field through the adjustableelement. Further, the current through the electromagnet can be used toadjust the intensity of the magnetic field.

An actuation system can be constructed by using an actuator to turn thecompression device 1220 to compress the powder. Possible actuatorsinclude, a stepper motor or geared motor to turn the compression device1220. The stepper motor or geared motor can be controlled by signalsfrom the power factor measurement unit 410 provided by wiring 445.

Thus, by adjusting one or more of the compression of the powder betweenthe electrodes 1210, 1215 or the current through the coil 1245 and theinductance, capacitance and resistance of the adjustable element can bechanged. The adjustment unit 405 can thus, be adjusted to correct thepower factor of the load attached to power supply lines 440. The controlsignals from the power factor measurement unit 410 provided by wiring445 can be used to control any actuator used for compression of themagnetite powder material 1240 or to control the current through thecoil 1245.

The coil 1245 may be combined with any of the embodiments describedabove in FIGS. 9-11. Further, the coil 1245 maybe the formed around acontainer that has no other adjustment means and is filled with powderedmaterial 1240.

Connections 1250 to the electrodes 1210 and 1215 via compression device1220, allow the adjustable element 1200 to be connected in the circuit,for example, as adjustable element 420 in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the material 1240 comprises powdered magnetite. Insome embodiments, powdered magnetite is the only material in between theelectrodes 1210, 1215. In some embodiments, the powdered magnetite ismixed with liquid. The liquid may be a mineral oil, synthetic oil, aliquid electrolyte, or semi-solid electrolyte. In some embodiments, thepowdered magnetite is mixed with other powdered materials. The otherpowdered materials may include carbon as graphite or diamond, quartz,sapphire, beryl, gold, copper, silver, platinum, palladium, nickel,molybdenum, aluminum, molybdenum disulfide, titanium disulfide, silica,corundum, powdered rare earth magnetic materials, or any other powderedmaterial compatible with embodiments of this disclosure. The materialsmaybe in either crystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous form. Forexample, the material 1240 may include half magnetite and half carbon.In some embodiments, no magnetite powder is included, and only one ormore of the above powdered materials other than magnetite is included inthe container 1205. In some embodiments, the magnetite and/or otherpowdered material is positioned between the electrodes in a hardenedresin. In other embodiments, the material may be heated before use toadjust the electrical properties of the material.

In some embodiments, the magnetite powder, or mixture of powders isplaced in a container, for example, containers 905, 1005, 1105, 1205.When the container is filled, the magnetite powder, or mixture ofpowders is subject to a magnetic field. The magnetic field is providedby a coil, for example, coil 1245, an external electromagnet, or apermanent magnet. In some embodiments, the magnetite powder, or mixtureof powders is compressed, by one of the methods discussed above, whilethe magnetic field is applied. In other embodiments, the magnetitepowder or mixture of powders is compressed, by one of the methodsdiscussed above, after the magnetic field is removed. In anotherembodiment, the magnetic field is applied to the magnetite powder ormixture of powders before compression.

In some embodiments, the magnetite powder, or mixture of powders ismixed with a resin, for example, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin,polyester resin, acetal resin or methyl methacrylate resin. The powderresin mixture is placed in a container, for example, containers 905,1005, 1105, 1205. The resin powder is then compressed using a one of thecompression devices discussed above until one or more desired electricalproperties of the composite powder and resin are achieved. When theelectrical properties of the composite powder and resin is achieved, theresin is cured. The resin may be a heat activated resin, a lightactivated resin, or a resin activated by mixing two or more componentsof the resin. When the resin has been cured in the container using theappropriate method, the adjustable device can be used.

In some embodiments, the uncured powder resin mixture may be subjectedto magnetic fields to achieve the desired electrical properties of thecomposite powder and resin. The magnetic field may be applied when thepowder resin mixture is in the container 905, 1005, 1105, 1205 by a coilwrapped around the container, an external electromagnet, or permanentmagnet. The magnetic field may be applied alone or in combination withcompression. The magnetic field may be applied before the curing of theresin and/or during the curing of the resin.

In some embodiments, the resin is a hard non-viscoelastic material inother embodiments the resin is a viscoelastic material and can be easilydeformed when cured. In some embodiments, the resin is replaced by anelastic material such as a rubber or silicone.

Magnetite is an oxide of iron that conducts electricity withconductivity of 2.5×10⁴ Ωm⁻¹ at room temperature and is alsoferrimagnetic. When in powder form, the flow of electricity through themagnetite powder depends upon the packing of the magnetite powder. Loosepacking reduces the flow of electricity because the current has to passbetween the particles of the powder. Mixing the other powdered materialsand/or the oils or electrolyte allows the conductivity to be adjusted.

Current flowing through the magnetite powder generates magnetic fieldsthat couple with the magnetization of the magnetite and also cause themovement of the magnetite powder particles. Movement of the magnetiteparticles also changes the electrical conductivity. The interaction ofthe current flowing through the powder with the magnetization of thepowder enhances the inductance of the adjustable element. Mixing otherpowdered materials with the magnetite also changes the coupling betweenthe current flowing through the adjustable element and the magnetizationof the magnetite, thus, changing the inductance.

Not all of the particles forming the powdered materials are necessarilyelectrically connected. With the correct compression of the powder, muchof the powdered material is connected to one or other of the electrodes910, 915, for example, but not electrically connected to both electrodes910, 915. Powder electrically connected to one electrode may be close topowder connected to the other electrode, thereby causing a capacitor toform within the powder. Compression of the powder and composition of thepowder allows the capacitance of the adjustable element to be changed.

Thus, the adjustable element has properties including inductance,capacitance, and resistance that can be adjusted by changing thecompression and composition of the powder. This allows the adjustableelement to be adjusted to adjust the capacitance, resistance andinductance of the adjustable element to correct the power factor of theload.

Moreover, the properties of the magnetite when compressed are dependenton the history of the current through and voltage across the magnetitematerial. For example, current flowing through the magnetite generates amagnetic field. The magnetic field magnetizes the magnetite powder,causing the particles to pull together. This pulling together of thepowder particles decreases the resistivity of the magnetite powder. Thereduced resistivity causes yet more current to flow and yet moremagnetization, which pulls the particles in the powder together evenmore, again reducing the resistivity. Thus, under the correctconditions, the magnetite powder can have nonlinear properties.Depending on the composition of the powder, when the current is removed,the powder may relax into its original state, or remain in the reducedresistance state.

In a similar manner placing a high voltage across the magnetite powder,when the magnetite powder is in a high resistance state, may reduce theresistance. In the high resistance state the particles of magnetite arenot electrically well-connected between the electrodes. Thus particlesnear one or other electrode will attain a voltage near to that of theirrespective electrode. Particles of the powder with opposite polaritywill attract, thereby compressing some volumes of the particle powder.The compressed volumes of particle powder will have greaterconductivity. Thus, the particle powder may rapidly become conductivewhen a large voltage is placed across the powder. Depending on thecomposition of the powder, when the voltage is removed, the powder mayrelax into its original state, or remain in the reduced resistancestate.

The properties of the adjustable element, inductance, capacitance andresistance form an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) filter. FIG. 13illustrates an equivalent circuit for the adjustable element with anequivalent inductance, L, equivalent resistance, R, and equivalentcapacitance, C. The equivalent circuit forms a band pass filter with aresonant frequency

$f_{0} = {\frac{1}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{1}{LC} - \left( \frac{R}{L} \right)^{2}}}$

and a Q value

$Q = {\frac{1}{R}\sqrt{\frac{L}{C}}}$

Thus, the adjustable element can be configured to pass the particularband of frequencies around the resonant frequency f₀ with the bandwidthof approximately f₀/Q, and suppress other frequencies. As discussedabove, the inductance, capacitance, and resistance of the adjustableelement can all be adjusted by either compression of the powder materialin the adjustable element or application of a magnetic field to theadjustable element. The values of the inductance, capacitance andresistance, however, are not independent. For example, adjusting theresistance, may also adjust the capacitance and inductance. If bothcompression and magnetic field are applied to the powder in theadjustable element, values of the equivalent inductance, L, equivalentresistance, R, and the equivalent capacitance, C may be adjustedsomewhat independently. The resonant frequency and the Q of theadjustable element are also adjustable by changing the compression ofand a magnetic field through the adjustable element. Thus, theadjustable element forms a tunable filter, the frequency and Q of whichcan be adjusted as needed. This can be particularly useful in dealingwith power factor correction due to nonlinear loads. As discussed above,the nonlinear loads generate harmonics of the power line frequency. Theharmonics of the power line frequency are reflected back to the grid iswasted power. The harmonics of the power line frequency, may be, at oddor even multiples of the power line frequency. Detecting and suppressingthese harmonics improves the power factor, The power factor adjusteralso reduces EMI by filtering the spikes and harmonics that cause EMI.

FIG. 14 illustrates a system 1400 that uses an adjustable element 1405to improve the power factor by filtering harmonics generated by a load1410 attached to the power lines 1412. The adjustable element 1405 isconfigured to have a resonant frequency the same as the power linefrequency. If the harmonics are detected by a harmonic detector 1415,the harmonic detector 1415 sends a signal via wiring 1420 to adjust theQ of the adjustable element to suppress the harmonics.

The resonant frequency of the adjustable element filter will be changedif there is significant additional inductance caused by, for example,additional capacitors or an inductors in parallel with the adjustableelement 1405. The load may have significant inductance or capacitance.For example, an induction motor has considerable inductance. Moreover,inductance of an induction motor changes with rotation speed and theloading of the motor. Thus, the resonant frequency f₀ and the Q ofadjustable element filter must be continuously adjusted to account forthe changes in inductance of the induction motor. If the adjustableelement is a part of any power factor adjustment unit, for example,power factor adjustment unit 405, the fixed capacitors within the powerfactor adjustment unit may be switched in parallel with the adjustableelement. Thus changing the resonant frequency f₀ and the Q of theadjustable element filter. Accordingly, the resonant frequency and the Qof the adjustable, filter, are continuously adjusted to maintain thecorrect resonant frequency independent of additional inductance orcapacitance added to the circuit.

As discussed above, the properties of the powder may be dependent on thehistory of the current through the adjustable element and the voltageacross the adjustable element. Thus, the capacitance resistance andinductance of the adjustable element may be configured to change uponthe particular combination of voltage or current occurring on the powerline. For example, the adjustable element might be configured to changethe resonant frequency f₀ and the Q dependent upon an over voltageoccurring on the power lines or a spike on the power lines.

The nonlinear properties of the powder material, including a powderencased in a resin or in a liquid, in a properly adjusted adjustableelement, for example, adjustable elements 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 make theadjustable element suitable as surge arresters and power spike removers.By adjusting the composition of the powder material in the adjustableelement, the compression of the powder material in the adjustableelement and any magnetic field passing through the adjustable element asdiscussed above, the voltage or current at which the adjustable elementbecomes suddenly conducting may be changed. If, for example, the RMSline voltage is 110 V, the peak voltage will be 156 V. A properlyadjusted adjustable element may become suddenly conducting at 170 V. Inthis case any spikes on the line voltage above 170 V will cause theadjustable element to become suddenly conducting, and the energy will bedissipated in the adjustable element rather than any load equipmentpositioned after the adjustable element.

FIG. 15 illustrates a system 1500 for the use of an adjustable elementas a surge arrester. The surge arrester the 1505 is placed across powerlines 1512 between the grid and the load 1510. A spike 1520 on the powerlines 1512 causes the powder material in the adjustable element 1505 tobecome conducting, thereby dissipating the energy of the spike in theadjustable element rather than the load 1510.

In some embodiments, the adjustable element 1505 is configured to act asa resettable surge arrester. The adjustable element 1505 is configuredto increase the conductivity of the powder material in the adjustableelement 1505 when a surge on the power lines 1512 occurs. After thesurge, the adjustable element remains in increased productivity state.The adjustable element 1505 is configured to return to the originalconductivity when, for example, the power on power lines 1512 is reducedto zero for a period of time, or when an external a magnetic fieldpenetrates or is removed from the adjustable element by, for example,the close approach or removal of a permanent magnet.

The magnetic properties of the magnetite powder in an adjustable elementallow the adjustable element to be used as a part of the core of atransformer. FIG. 16 illustrates a transformer 1605 incorporating anadjustable element 1610. The adjustable element 1610 forms a part of themagnetic core of the transformer, where the magnetic circuit of the coreis completed by a magnetic element 1615. Primary and secondary windings1620, 1625 are wound around the core of the transformer 1605. Asdiscussed above, the magnetic properties of the adjustable elementchange when compression, a magnetic field, a voltage, or a current isapplied to the adjustable element. Thus, the adjustable element may beused to change the magnetic conductivity of the core of the transformer1605, therefore, changing the coupling between the primary and secondarywindings 1620, 1625 of the transformer. In some embodiments, asillustrated in FIG. 16, the primary and secondary windings 1620, 1625are wound around the adjustable element 1610. In other embodiments, theprimary winding 1620 and/or secondary coil 1625 are wound around themagnetic element 1615. In some other embodiments, the adjustable element1610 is connected across the power lines 1630 connected to the primarywinding, as illustrated in FIG. 16. Thus, adjustable element 1610 may beconfigured to absorb the spike on the power lines 1630, as discussedabove with regard to the surge arresting, and/or change the magneticproperties of the transformer core to reduce the amount of powertransmitted to the secondary 1625. Alternatively, the adjustable element1610 may be connected across the secondary windings 1625 and the outputpower lines 1635 in order to detect spikes on the secondary windings1625. Thus, adjustable element 1610 may be configured to absorb spikeson the power lines 1635 and/or change the magnetic properties of thetransformer core to reduce the amount of power transmitted to thesecondary 1625.

In some embodiments, the adjustable element 1610 is configured to act asa resettable surge arrester. The adjustable element 1610 is configuredto reduce the magnetic conductivity of the core transformer 1605 when asurge on the power lines 1630 occurs. The adjustable element 1610 isconfigured to return to the original magnetic inductance when, forexample, the power on power lines 1630 is reduced to zero, for a periodof time, or when an external magnetic field penetrates or is removedfrom the adjustable by, for example, the close approach or removal of apermanent magnet.

The magnetic properties of the magnetite powder in an adjustable elementallow the adjustable element to be used as a portion of the core of anelectric motor. FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of an electric motor1705 incorporating adjustable elements 1710. The electric motorcomprises a stator 1715 and a rotor 1720. The rotor spins on axle 1725and comprises a magnetic core 1730 with electrical windings 1731. Thestator comprises a magnetic core including magnetic elements 1735 and1736, adjustable elements 1710, and stator coils 1740 wound around themagnetic elements 1736. The adjustable element 1710 forms a portion ofthe magnetic core of the magnetic circuit of the core that is completedby a magnetic elements 1735, 1736 and the core 1730. As discussed above,the magnetic properties of the adjustable element change whencompression, a magnetic field, a voltage, or a current is applied to theadjustable element. Thus, the adjustable element may be used to changethe magnetic conductivity of the core of the motor 1705, therebychanging the coupling between the stator 1715 and rotor 1720. In someembodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 17, a portion of the stator 1715 isformed of the adjustable element 1710. In other embodiments, a portionof the rotor core 1730 is formed of an adjustable element. In some otherembodiments, the adjustable element 1710 is connected across the supplyto the stator coils 1740. Thus, adjustable element 1710 may beconfigured to absorb spikes on the stator coils 1740 or compensate thepower factor of the electric motor 1705.

The magnetic properties of the magnetite powder allow the adjustableelement to be used as a variable capacitor. As discussed above, bychanging the amount of compression on the magnetite powder or themagnetic field applied to the magnetite powder, the electricalproperties of the adjustable element can change. Among the changedelectrical properties is a change in the overall capacitance of theadjustable element. Thus, the adjustable element as described above maybe implemented as a variable capacitor.

An adjustable element may also be used in combination with a capacitorto allow the capacitor to function much like a battery to limit theamount of charge discharged from a charged capacitor. FIG. 18Aillustrates a circuit diagram for using the adjustable element incombination with a capacitor according to an exemplary embodiment. Asshown in FIG. 18A, a first adjustable element 1810 and a secondadjustable element 1820 are connected to the capacitor 1820. The firstadjustable element 1810 is connected to a first terminal of thecapacitor 1820 and the second adjustable element 1812 is connected tothe a second terminal of the capacitor. The capacitor 1820 is alsoconnected to an input (not shown), for example a power source. When apotential difference is applied to the capacitor 1820, energy is storedin an electric field in the capacitor. The energy stored in thecapacitor can be released, but the release is nearly instantaneous. Byconnecting the adjustable elements 1810, 1812 to the capacitor, theenergy release can be slowed, and a load 1805 may receive energy fromthe capacitor 1820. The adjustable element 1810, 1812 can have a nearlyinfinitely adjustable impedance. By adjusting the impedance of theadjustable elements 1810, 1812 the amount of energy provided to the load1805 can be controlled.

As shown in FIG. 18B, an alternative embodiment is shown with a singleadjustable element 1810. In tests performed using this system, theadjustable element 1810 included magnetite and graphite. In the tests,magnetite varied from 12 grams to 300 grams, and graphite varied fromabout 1% to about 15% of the magnetite, though the carbon loading couldbe 1%, 3%, 5,%, 12%, 20%, 25%, 50%, or any other percentage, though ahigher carbon loading may require less compression, and power capabilitywill be lower. In the tests, compaction pressures were also varied. Thetesting of this configuration showed low-pass filtering behavior of theadjustable element 1810.

FIG. 18C shows an exemplary adjustable element 1810 used in the systemshown in FIG. 18B. The adjustable element 1810 was constructed of ahousing with a cap, and a terminal at each end. In one exemplaryconfiguration, the adjustable element 1810 has 300 grams of magnetiteand 3 grams of graphite under elevated mechanical compaction pressureswith an initial electrical resistance before applying a DC electricalbias treatment of 2000 ohms. Upon exposure to an electrical bias acrossthe adjustable element 1810 of 100.0 DC volts, the resistance began todecrease, and after a few minutes as down to 32 ohms. A further decreasein electrical resistance occurred when it was placed in the circuit asshown in FIG. 18B, and an additional 53 watts of power consumption waspresent, which equates to an equivalent resistance at 107 volt AC linevoltage of about 15 ohms. The following data shows the effect of thisadjustable element on both the power factor and harmonic distortion.This data also shows the effect of using an 80 microfarad run capacitoracross the AC line for the ⅓ horsepower motor under a moderate load.

Appar- Total ent Reac- Har- Real Power tive Power monic Test AC AC PowerVolt- Power Factor Distor- Condition Volts Amps Watts Amps VARS % tion %Motor 107.2 4.236 −138.6 454.2 −432.5 −30.5 4.07 only Motor and 107.71.602 −137.4 172.4 −104.1 −79.7 28.95 capacitor (80 μF cap) Motor and106.9 1.865 −191.8 199.3 −54.2 −96.2 23.87 capacitor and adjustableelement

As shown in the table above, there was an improvement in power factor aswell as an improvement in reducing harmonic distortion, and theadjustable elements like a low-pass filter.

More than one adjustable element may be used. Referring to FIG. 18D, asystem is shown having 2 adjustable elements 1810 in parallel on eithera positive/hot or negative/neutral leg of the AC line. FIG. 18E shows 3adjustable elements 1810 in parallel. For both of the configurations inFIGS. 18D and 18E, testing was performed using 12 grams to 50 grams ofmagnetite in each device and up to about 15% of carbon. These testsshowed improved thermal management, increases in power factor, andreductions in harmonic distortion.

FIG. 18F shows a inductive coil 1825 around an adjustable element 1810and in parallel with the adjustable element 1810. In one exemplaryconfiguration, the adjustable element 1810 had 25 grams of magnetite and1-3% carbon. The inductive coil 1825 was an inductor wire wrapped aroundthe adjustable element 1810 where the coil 1825 was connected to thecircuit as shown. In this configuration, testing showed some reductionin heat generation. Small trim resistors were added to the coil line toimprove the effective resistance balance between the coil and themagnetite section. The trim resistors were sized from 0.25 ohms up to1.0 ohms, but could range from 0.01 ohms to 2.0 ohms depending upon adesired configuration, motor size, and AC circuit designs.

A trim resistor 1830 is shown in FIG. 18G. Testing was performed usingthe trim resistor 1830 along with 25 grams of magnetite, a 1% carbonaddition, and a coil wrapping across about 2.5 inches of 14 gage copperwire.

Appar- Total ent Reac- Har- Real Power tive Power monic Test AC AC PowerVolt- Power Factor Distor- Condition Volts Amps Watts Amps VARS % tion %Motor 115.0 4.831 −167.8 557.8 −527.6 −30.5 4.12 only Motor and 115.01.57 −165.3 180.7 −73.5 −91.2 36.57 capacitor (97 μF cap) Motor and115.0 1.58 −167.3 182.6 −71.2 −91.7 35.87 capacitor and adjustableelement Motor and 115.0 1.65 −178.5 190.2 −69.5 −93.5 33.27 capacitorand 0.75 ohm trim resistor

The addition of the trim resistor forced more current through theadjustable element leg, resulting in a gain in power factor and furtherreduction in harmonic distortion. Also, an addition of a secondadjustable element with a coil and trim resistor may be used for furtherimprovements in reducing harmonic distortion and increasing the powerfactor, as shown in FIG. 18H.

FIG. 19 illustrates an adjustable element 1900, according to anexemplary embodiment. The adjustable element 1900 can be used as theadjustable element 1810 or 1812 shown in FIG. 18 and can be configuredto operate with a capacitor. The adjustable element 1900 comprises acontainer 1905. The container 1905 may be made from any non-conductingmaterial, for example, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene,polypropylene, Teflon, alumina, glass, resin, fiberglass resin,Bakelite, or any other insulating material compatible with embodimentsof the disclosure. The container 1905 has electrodes 1910, 1915positioned at each end of the container. In some embodiments, both ofthe electrodes 1910, 1915 are fixed. In other embodiments, one of theelectrodes is fixed, and the other electrode is movable. In yet otherembodiments, electrodes 1910, 1915 are both movable. In someembodiments, one of the electrodes, for example, electrodes 1910, asshown in FIG. 19, has a spring 1945 between the inside of the container1905 and the electrodes 1910. The spring 1945 provides pressure on theback of the electrodes 1910, pushing the electrode 1910 toward theelectrode 1915. The spring 1945 makes adjustment of the compression of amaterial 1940 between the electrodes 1910 and 1915 more reliable.

The electrodes 1910, 1915 may be made from copper, gold, silver,palladium, platinum, ruthenium, nickel, iron, aluminum, tungsten,titanium, titanium nitrite, tantalum, tantalum nitride, chromium, lead,cadmium, zinc, manganese, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate,lithium manganese oxide, nickel oxyhydroxide, or any combination of theabove or any other metals compatible with embodiments of the disclosure.The electrodes may be formed of one or more of the above metals and thencoated in a second of the above metals. The electrodes 1910, 1915 mayalso be made of semiconductor materials, for example, carbon in the formof diamond or graphite, silicon, silicon carbide, germanium or anycombination of those semiconductors with each other, or with one of theabove metals. In some embodiments, the electrodes 1910, 1915 are made ofthe same material. In other embodiments, the electrodes 1910, 1915 aremade of different materials.

Electrode 1915 is movable using compression device 1920. Pushing orpulling the compression device 1920 in the direction of the arrows 1925causes the compression device 1920 to slide through a hole in thecontainer 1905 in the direction of arrows 1925. The compression device1920 is attached to the moving electrode 1915 and pushes the movingelectrode 1915 toward or away from electrode 1910.

A material 1940 is placed between the electrodes 1910 and 1915. Thematerial 1940 is compressed by moving electrode 1915 toward electrodes1910. The compression of the material 1940 may be performed by any ofthe methods above, such as a screw, a compression device, or actuators.The material 1940 allows current to flow between the electrodes 1910,1915 and is responsible for the electrical properties of the adjustableelement 1900. Compressing the material 1940 changes the electricalproperties.

Connections 950 to the electrodes 910, 915 via compression device 920allow the adjustable element 900 to be connected in the circuit, forexample, as adjustable element 1810, 1812 in FIGS. 18A and 18B.

The compression material of the adjustable element 1900 is a pluralityof small aluminum beads. The aluminum beads may be coated with aninsulation coating, such as silicon or any other type of materialexhibiting insulating properties. In some of the embodiments describedabove, magnetite was described as the material 1940. Magnetite, or acomparable material, may be mixed with the aluminum beads, or themagnetite may be omitted.

The aluminum beads can change the electrical properties of theadjustable element 1900 by mechanical compression. However, anycompression technique, such as those described above, can dynamicallychange the electrical properties of the aluminum beads. The adjustableelement 1900 comprising aluminum beads as described above may beconnected to any size capacitor, from a capacitor having a very smallcapacitance to a capacitor having a very large capacitance, such as asuper capacitor.

Table 1 shows the results of testing of a power factor adjustment unitsimilar to the power factor adjustment unit 405 discussed above. Thepower factor adjustment unit used for the testing is a manual version inwhich the switches for the fixed capacitors, for example, capacitors415, and the adjustable element, for example, adjustable element 420,are switched manually to correct the power factor. Further, the powerfactor adjustment unit used for testing has an adjustable element thatis adjusted manually by compression of pure magnetite powder in theadjustable element. The load for the power factor adjustment unit is a 1hp induction motor made by Marathon™. The induction motor was run at avoltage of 241 V both with and without load. The adjustment unit settingcorresponds to a quantity of capacitance from the capacitors and acompression of the magnetite powder. The adjustment unit setting of zerocorresponds to the power factor adjustment unit being disconnected fromthe circuit.

FIG. 20 illustrates, in particular, adjustment unit setting versus powerfactor for the induction motor and power factor adjustment unitcombination. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the power factor is considerablyimproved when the induction motor is run with or without a load. Inparticular, the adjustment unit could be set to between 60 and 70 tomaximize the power factor at 0.64 for an unloaded motor, and increasethe power factor to almost 0.9 for a loaded motor.

TABLE 1 Voltage Adjust- across Load ment Current Apparent motor appliedunit supplied power Power Percent (V) to motor setting (A) (kW) FactorSaved 241 No 0 6.11 1.47 0.166  0% 241 No 55 1.77 0.427 0.57 61% 241 No70 1.6 0.388 0.58 74% 241 No 60 1.6 0.379 0.63 74% 241 No 85 2.39 0.5880.429 41% 241 Yes 0 6.22 1.49 0.35  0% 241 Yes 30 3.78 0.93 0.56 40% 241Yes 60 2.43 0.59 0.88 61% 241 Yes 55 2.52 0.6 0.85 60%

FIG. 21 illustrates, in particular, the percentage savings due to theuse of the power factor adjustment unit. The power factor adjustmentunit delivers savings of up to 74% for an unloaded motor.

Table 2 shows the results of testing of a power factor adjustment unitsimilar to the power factor adjustment unit used to obtain the result inTable 1. The load for the power factor adjustment unit is a ½ hp, 115 V,60 Hz induction motor made by Marathon™.

TABLE 2 Voltage Adjust- across ment Load Current Apparent motor unitapplied supplied power Power Percent (V) state to motor (A) (kW) FactorSaved 120 OFF No 5.87 0.690 0.38  0% 120 ON No 1.74 0.233 1.00 70% 120OFF Yes 7.8 0.890 0.77  0% 120 ON Yes 5.0 0.520 1.00 36%

The power factor adjustment unit delivers savings of up to 70% for anunloaded motor and 36% for a loaded motor. Moreover, the power factorwith the power factor adjustment unit is unity for both the loaded andunloaded motor.

Table 3 shows the results of testing of a power factor adjustment unitsimilar to the power factor adjustment unit used to obtain the result inTable 1. The load for the power factor adjustment unit is a 1 hp,115/230 V, 60 Hz induction motor made by Marathon™.

TABLE 3 Voltage Adjust- across ment Load Current Apparent motor unitapplied supplied power Power Percent (V) state to motor (A) (kW) FactorSaved 241 OFF No 6.02 1.450 0.51  0% 241 ON No 1.27 0.306 0.86 41% 241OFF Yes 5.7 1.373 0.36  0% 241 ON Yes 2.78 0.669 1.00 51%

The power factor adjustment unit delivers savings of up to 51% for aloaded motor and 41% for an unloaded motor. Moreover, the power factorwith the power factor adjustment unit is unity for the loaded motor.

Table 4 shows the verification of the above test results by anindependent testing company for the power factor adjustment unit used incombination with a ⅓ hp induction motor. The induction motor is a 115 V60 Hz motor running at 1,762 RPM. Enabling the power factor adjustmentunit causes a drop in current consumption of the motor of 2.3 A and asavings of 44%.

TABLE 4 Current Apparent Voltage across Adjustment supplied power PowerPercent motor (V) unit state (A) (kW) Factor Saved 117.4 OFF 5.2 0.6100.47  0% 117.1 ON 2.9 0.340 0.85 44%

The power conditioning and saving device may be implemented as a energystorage device 2200. Although this device may be referred to herein asan energy storage device, the energy storage device may also beconsidered a battery, an electromagnetic storage element, or a pseudocapacitor. One embodiment of a energy storage device 2200 is illustratedin FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 22, a container 2201 surrounds the internalmaterials and components of the energy storage device 2200. Thecontainer 2201 includes plugs 2202, 2204 positioned at each end of thecontainer 2201 to seal each end of the container 2201. In this exemplaryembodiment, the container 2201 and plugs 2202, 2204 are comprised ofplastic, though the container and plugs may comprise any non-conductingmaterial. In an alternative embodiment, the container can be formed withone end substantially sealed and only one plug may be used to seal theother end.

A liner 2210 lines the internal portion of the container 2201, and asshown in FIG. 22, the liner 2210 extends the entire length of thecontainer 2201. However, the liner 2210 may substantially extend thedistance between the plugs 2202, 2204, or the liner may substantiallyextend the length of the container 2201. The liner 2210 may comprisemetal, such as steel, zinc, copper, brass or any other type of metal.

The container 2201 also houses metal disks 2220, 2222 that arepositioned at each end of the container 2201 in an inner cavity formedby the liner 2210 and plugs 2202, 2204. The metal disks 2220, 2222 actas conducting plates for the internal circuit of the energy storagedevice 2200. The metal disks 2220, 2222 do not touch the metal liner2210, and a space or gap exists between the metal disks 2220, 2222 andthe metal liner 2210 so that the metal liner 2210 is not connected tothe internal circuit of the energy storage device 2200. One of the metaldisks 2220, 2222 may touch the metal liner 2210, but at least one of themetal disks 2220, 2222 does not touch the metal liner 2210. The size ofthe gap or space between the metal liner 2210 and at least one of themetal disks 2220, 2222 depends on the size of the energy storage device2200. The size of the gap or space may be small, but large enough toprevent the flow of electricity between at least one of the metal disks2220, 2222 and the metal liner 2210. For example, the size of the gap orspace may be about 0.125 inches or 0.5 inches.

Although the exemplary embodiment recites that metal disks 2220, 2222are the shape of a disk, it is intended that these metal components canbe in any shape, such as a cupped shape or concave shape, that canincrease the amount of magnetite contact. In one embodiment, the metalcomponent can be shaped like a piston, a screw, or a nail that extendsinto the magnetite.

The metal liner 2210 is optional. The metal liner 2210 may improve thestorage capacity of the energy storage device 2200, but the metal liner2210 is not essential to the operation of the energy storage device2200. For example, the materials included in the energy storage device2200 may affect whether it is worthwhile to include a metal liner.

At least one or both of the metal disks 2220, 2222 can move within thecontainer 2201. For illustration purposes, the first metal disk 2220 canbe stationary, meanwhile, the second metal disk 2222 can move toward oraway from the first metal disk 2220.

The energy storage device 2200 has first and second terminals 2230, 2232positioned at each end of the container 2201. The first and secondterminals 2230, 2232 connect the internal components of the energystorage device 2200 to an external circuit (not shown). The firstterminal 2230 may connect to the stationary metal disk 2220. A wire 2234connects the stationary metal disk 2220 to the first terminal 2230. Thesecond terminal 2232 may be connected to a screw 2236. In someembodiments, the screw 2236 may be used as a terminal to conduct chargestored in the energy storage device 2200 and used in the externalcircuit. The screw 2236 can extend from one end of the container 2201through the plug 2204 and metal disk 2222, and into the inner cavityformed by the liner 2210 and plugs 2202, 2204. The length of the screw2236 can depend upon the desired size and capacity of the energy storagedevice 2200, though the screw 2236 will extend toward the first terminal2230 beyond the plug 2204. The first terminal 2230, the second terminal2232, the wire 2234, and the screw 2236 may be made of the same ordifferent conductive materials. For example, the first terminal 2230,the second terminal 2232, the wire 2234, and the screw 2236 may be madeof a conductive material, such as a metal, including copper, zinc,brass, or steel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the metal disk 2222 may move within thecontainer 2201 by turning the screw 2236. For example, the screw 2236may engage a threaded hole in the movable metal disk 2222, which in turncauses the movable metal disk 2222 to move along the screw 2236 in adirection toward or away from the stationary metal disk 2220. By movingthe metal disk 2236 toward the stationary metal disk 2220, compressionis applied to a compression material 2240, such as a magnetite mix,included in the inner cavity of the container 2201. While a screw hasbeen described as the method of applying compression to the magnetitemix 2240, any of the compression methods discussed herein may be used toapply compression to the magnetite mix 2240, such as a compressiondevice, a clamp, a piston, or actuators.

In the exemplary embodiment, the movable metal disk 2222 applies a fixedcompression force to the magnetite mix 2240 during the electrical use ofthe energy storage device 2200. The amount of force applied may bedetermined through testing. Once the amount of force is determined, thesame compression may be applied to other energy storage device 2200 toobtain the same properties. The amount of force may also depend on theweight of the magnetite mix 2240 included in the container 2201.

In some embodiments, the plastic plug 2204 may move with the movement ofthe movable metal disk 2222. If the movable disk 2222 is not touchingthe metal liner 2210, then the plastic plug 2204 may move with themovable disk 2222 to ensure that compression is applied to all of themagnetite mix 2240. In another embodiment, the plastic plugs 2202, 2204may remain stationary.

The magnetite mix 2240 includes magnetite, such as powdered magnetite.The magnetite mix 2240 may also include other elements and compoundssuch as carbon, and acidic catalysts, such as sulfuric acid,hydrochloric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, phosphoric acid, or anyaqueous solution with an acidic pH. The percentage of magnetite may beany range from 0-100%, 2-98%, or 10-50% of the composition of themagnetite mix 2240 The amount of magnetite included in the magnetite mix2240 varies based on the catalyst used, the amount of compressionapplied, and the other materials included in the magnetite mix 2240. Forexample, the magnetite mix 2240 may include 50% magnetite and 50% carbonmixed together with a weak acid as the catalyst.

The compressed magnetite mix 2240 stores charge within the inner cavityof the container 2201 between the metal disks 2220, 2222. When theenergy storage device 2200 is connected to an external circuit, theenergy storage device 2200 emits charges stored in the magnetite mix2240 through the terminals 2230, 2232.

FIG. 23 illustrates a energy storage device 2300 capable of reducingcompression and temperature within the energy storage device 2300.Similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the energy storagedevice 2300 includes a container 2301, plugs 2302, 2304, metal disks2320, 2322, and a magnetite mix 2340. These components may besubstantially similar to those described with reference to FIG. 22 inboth function and composition. A metal liner is not illustrated in FIG.23, but a metal liner substantially similar to the metal liner describedwith reference to FIG. 22 may be included in the energy storage device2300.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, the first metal disk 2320 ismovable, and the second metal disk 2322 is stationary. A piston 2350pushes the movable metal disk 2320 to apply compression to the magnetitemix 2340. A non-conducting seal 2351 may exist between the movable metaldisk 2320 and the piston 2350 if both the movable metal disk 2320 andthe piston 2350 comprise conductive materials so that the piston 2350 issealed from the movable metal disk 2320. The non-conducting seal 2351may be made of any insulating material, such as silicon or rubber. Thepiston 2350 can comprise a substantially rigid material, such as ametal. The piston 2350 is attached to a thermal spring 2352. The metalin the piston 2350 can conduct heat, and the heat is emitted to thethermal spring 2352. In an alternative embodiment, the energy storagedevice 2300 is configured with a spring that fits within the piston.

A hole 2360 may exist in the plug 2302 nearest to the thermal spring2352. The hole 2360 allows air and heat to dissipate through it. Thehold 2360 also prevents air from being compressed by the movement of thepiston 2350 in a chamber of the container 2301 housing the spring 2352.So if the piston 2350 releases compression on the magnetite mix 2340,the piston 2350 pushes air from the chamber housing the thermal spring2352 through the hole 2360, but the air does not apply a strong forceagainst the movement of the piston 2350 away from the magnetite mix2340.

At certain temperatures below a threshold, the thermal spring 2352applies a fixed force to the piston 2350 to compress the magnetite mix2340. The thickness of the metal disk 2320 and the piston 2350, which isthe distance between the magnetite mix 2340 and the thermal spring 2352may be about 0.125 inches or about 0.0625 inches. If the temperature ofthe energy storage device 2300 exceeds the threshold, the thermal spring2352 decreases the amount of pressure on the piston 2350, which in turndecompresses the magnetite mix 2340. When the magnetite mix 2340 is notcompressed, the energy storage device 2300 does not conduct electricityfrom the magnetite mix 2340, or the amount of charge conducted throughthe energy storage device 2300 decreases. When the energy storage device2300 is not conducting electricity, the temperature of the energystorage device 2300 decreases. Thus, the thermal spring 2352 and piston2350 act as a safety valve to prevent the energy storage device 2300from overheating or exploding. Once the energy storage device 2300cools, the thermal spring 2352 reapplies pressure to the magnetite mix2340, and the energy storage device 2300 is again fully operational. Asa result, a valve may not be needed on the energy storage device 2300.

While the thermal spring 2352 variably applies and releases pressure onthe magnetite mix 2340 based on the temperature threshold, during normaloperation of the energy storage device 2300 (i.e., within safe operatingtemperatures) the thermal spring 2352 can apply a fixed force. Thespring 2352 applies less force to the piston 2350 when the energystorage device 2300 temperature exceeds the threshold.

While a thermal spring 2352 has been described for illustrationpurposes, the magnetite mix 2340 may be compressed and decompressed byother methods. In an alternative embodiment, the energy storage device2300 may use a pressure-sensitive spring along with a piston to relievepressure. In other embodiments, the piston 2350 may be connected toactuators, a motor, or another mechanism to move the piston 2350 betweentwo positions, where the first position compresses the magnetite mix2340 and the second position decompresses the magnetite mix 2340. Adigital thermometer may measure the temperature of the energy storagedevice 2300 and send a signal that engages the motor, actuators, orother device that controls the movement of the piston 2350 when thetemperature exceeds the threshold so that the magnetite mix 2340 may bedecompressed. Any device or method that compresses the magnetite mix2340 during safe operating temperatures and decompresses the magnetitemix 2340 during unsafe operating temperatures falls within the scope ofthe exemplary embodiments.

When the energy storage device 2300 decompresses the magnetite mix 2340,the energy storage device 2300 may not provide an adequate charge to theexternal circuit. So, the energy storage device 2300 may be combinedwith similar energy storage device to create redundant magnetite energystorage device as a power source. In other words, the power source forthe external circuit may be a multi-cell energy storage device comprisesa plurality of energy storage device 2200 and/or energy storage device2300.

Because the energy storage device 2300 has a safety system that preventsthe energy storage device 2300 from overheating, the energy storagedevice 2300 can accept a large current without damaging the energystorage device 2300. Because the energy storage device 2300 can receivea large current, the energy storage device 2300 charges and rechargesvery quickly.

The amount of compression applied by the piston 2350 may depend onexternal conditions, such as air pressure and temperature. For example,a pressure sensor, such as a barometer, or a temperature sensor, such asa thermometer, may be included in the energy storage device 2300. Theamount of force applied by the piston 2350 may depend on the airpressure or temperature. For example, if the air temperature is colder,the piston 2350 may apply more compression force to the magnetite mix2340 because the energy storage device 2300 is less likely to overheatat lower temperatures. As another example, if the air pressure is low,such as at high elevations, the piston 2350 may apply less compressionforce. Thus, the compression force of the piston 2350 varies based onreadings from a temperature or pressure sensor.

While the terminal 2330 shown in FIG. 23 extends from the movable metaldisk 2320 to the outside of the container 2301, the terminal 2330 mayhave a different configuration. For example, the terminal 2330 may onlyextend from the movable metal disk 2320 to the piston 2350 toelectrically connect the piston 2350 and the movable metal disk 2320.Assuming the piston 2350 in a conductive metal, the piston 2350 mayconduct electricity from the movable metal disk 2320. The thermal spring2352, which may comprise a conductive material, may also conductelectricity from the piston 2350. A second terminal (not illustrated)may be included to connect the spring 2352 to an external circuit. Inthis configuration, the spring 2352 applies compression and conductselectricity as a wire.

Given magnetite's magnetic properties, the energy storage device 2300with the magnetite mix 2340 can be recharged using a magnetic field.When the energy storage device 2300 receives a magnetic field, a currentis generated with the energy storage device 2300, which causesrecharging of the energy storage device 2300. The earth generates amagnetic field, and the Earth's magnetic field can be used to assist inrecharging the energy storage device 2300. For more efficientrecharging, the energy storage device 2300 can be oriented with theEarth's magnetic field. When the energy storage device 2300 is orientedin a north-south arrangement (e.g., by aligning a positive terminal withthe North pole and a negative terminal with the South pole), the energystorage device 2300 picks up the poles of the earth and generates acharge within the magnetite mix 2340. A compass can be used to determinethe direction of the North pole, and the energy storage device 2300 canbe aligned accordingly for recharging. The energy storage device 2300can also be recharged using another magnet or magnetic induction with awireless connection to a power-supplying mat. For more efficientrecharging from the magnet or the power-supplying mat, a magnetic fieldsensor (e.g., a compass) can be used to determine the North pole, andthe energy storage device 2300, the other magnet, and/or thepower-supplying mat can be aligned with the Earth's magnetic poles. Heator microwaves may also charge the magnetite mix 2340 in the energystorage device 2300. Thus, the energy storage device 2300 does not needto be connected to an external power source in order to recharge. Theenergy storage device 2300 may also be charged by connecting the energystorage device 2300 to a charging circuit. The charging applied by thecharging circuit may be a pulsing charge or a steady charge.

FIG. 24 illustrates a energy storage device 2400 according to anotherembodiment. Similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, theenergy storage device 2400 includes a container 2401, metal disks 2420,2422, terminals 2430, 2432, and a magnetite mix 2440. These componentsmay be substantially similar to those described with reference to FIG.23 in both function and composition. A metal liner is not illustrated inFIG. 24, but a metal liner substantially similar to the metal linerdescribed with reference to FIG. 22 may be included in the energystorage device 2400.

The energy storage device 2400 further includes a wire coil 2470 wrappedaround the container 2401. An electric current may run through the coil2470, which, in turn, changes the electrical properties of the magnetitemix 2440. The amount of current running through the coil 2470 may be afixed current. The current running through the coil 2470 excites themagnetite mix 2440 in a similar way to compressing the magnetite mix2440. In this embodiment, the electric current running through the coil2470 may replace compression, or the coil 2470 may be used in tandemwith compression to excite the magnetite mix 2470.

The energy storage device illustrated in FIGS. 22, 23, and 24 have manybenefits over conventional energy storage device. The magnetite energystorage device is inexpensive to make, the magnetite energy storagedevice does not use toxic materials, and the magnetite energy storagedevice can absorb a large amount of energy per unit volume while beingrapidly charged.

The energy storage device illustrated in FIGS. 22, 23, and 24 may beused in a number of applications. One such application uses a energystorage device to store energy captured from renewable energy sources.For example, large scale energy storage device may be connected to solaror wind energy generators during times when the generators are gatheringenergy from renewable sources. The energy stored may be provided to thegrid on demand. Such energy storage may prevent renewable energy frombeing wasted in the grid during non-peak energy usage periods.

Table 5 shows characteristics of the magnetite energy storage device ofthe exemplary embodiments compared to a conventional alkaline battery.The magnetite energy storage device can be configured to be verylightweight. Although the magnetite energy storage device has a weightin the test below that is approximately equal to an alkaline battery,the magnetite energy storage device can have a lower weight if it used apackaging similar to the alkaline battery. As a result, the magnetitebattery can have a weight that is lighter than a conventional alkaline,lead-acid, or lithium-ion battery of similar size. As a result, thebattery illustrated above may be well-suited for applications where alower weight is useful, such as an electric car or portable computerequipment (e.g., mobile phones, laptop computers, tablet computers).

TABLE 5 Magnetite Energy Storage Device Alkaline Battery Open CircuitVoltage 1.65 V 1.61 V Duration Powering a 28 hours 24 hours Flashlight @10° F. Duration Powering a 24 hours 20 hours Flashlight @ 130° F. Weight4.79 oz 4.71 oz Volume 42 ml 45 ml

Included in Table 5 is the duration powering a flashlight for themagnetite energy storage device and the alkaline battery at 10° F. and130° F. For the 10° F. test, each device was placed in a freezer for 12hours before conducting the test. The pre-test voltage of the magnetiteenergy storage device was 1.49 volts in the cold temperature test, andthe pre-test voltage of the alkaline battery was 1.45 volts in the coldtemperature test. For the 130° F. test, each device was placed in anoven for 2-4 hours before conducting the test. The pretest voltage ofthe magnetite energy storage device was 1.65 volts in the hottemperature test, and the pre-test voltage of the alkaline battery was1.45 volts in the hot temperature test. The cold and hot temperaturetests turned the flashlight on in the hot or cold temperatureenvironments after heat-soaking or cold-soaking the devices.

A similar test to the hot temperature test was also performed. A firstmagnetite energy storage device was heated to 140° F. for 24 hours, andsubsequently allowed to cool to room temperature for 12-24 hours.Meanwhile, a second magnetite energy storage device was not subjected tohigh heat, but remained at room temperature. The first and secondmagnetite energy storage devices were placed in the same flashlight, andboth magnetite energy storage devices performed similarly such that nodifferences were observed between the first and second magnetite energystorage devices.

Table 6 shows the result of three tests, a fast discharge test, anintermediate discharge test and a slow discharge test. Each test wasperformed with a conventional alkaline battery and the magnetite energystorage device, and all three tests were performed at 73° F. Thedischarge rate of the battery was controlled by connecting a differentincandescent bulb for each test. The fast discharge test discharged themagnetite energy storage device and the battery in approximately 20minutes, the intermediate discharge test discharged the magnetite energystorage device and the battery in 2-3 hours, and the slow discharge testdischarged the magnetite energy storage device and the battery in 8-10hours.

TABLE 6 Magnetite Energy Alkaline Battery Storage Device Voltage dropevery minute .006 .007 of fast discharge test Voltage drop every 30 .009.012 minutes of intermediate discharge test Voltage drop every hour of.05 .07 slow discharge test

In a test, a discharged magnetite energy storage device, which wasdischarged by powering a flashlight for 24 continuous hours, was placednext to a magnet for recharging. The magnet's north pole was placedadjacent to the magnetite energy storage device's positive terminal, andthe magnet's south pole was placed adjacent to the magnetite energystorage device's negative terminal. The magnet produced a max energy of49.5-52 MGOe. The magnet remained adjacent to the magnetite energystorage device for 5 minutes in this orientation. After 5 minutes nearthe magnet, the magnetite energy storage device powered a flashlight for45 minutes.

The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary. Oneskilled in the references recognizes that numerous alternativecomponents and embodiments that may be substituted for the particularexamples described herein and still fall within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A energy storage device comprising: a containercomprised of a non-conducting material; a compression materialpositioned in the container; a first terminal for connecting an externalcircuit to the compression material; a second terminal for connectingthe compression material to the external circuit; and a compressiondevice positioned in the container that applies a fixed force tocompress the compression material.
 2. The energy storage device of claim1, wherein the compression device comprises a movable metal disk at asecond end of the container that moves within the container toward oraway from a stationary metal disk positioned at a first end of thecontainer.
 3. The energy storage device of claim 2, wherein the movablemetal disk has a threaded hole, a screw engages the threaded hole, andthe movable metal disk compresses the compression material when thescrew is turned at a second end of the container so that the movablemetal disk moves toward the stationary metal disk.
 4. The energy storagedevice of claim 1, wherein the compression device is a piston connectedto a spring positioned at a first end of the container that pushes thepiston toward a second end of the container, thereby compressing thecompression material.
 5. The energy storage device of claim 1, whereinthe compression material comprises powdered magnetite.
 6. The energystorage device of claim 5, wherein the compression material comprisespowdered magnetite mixed with carbon.
 7. The energy storage device ofclaim 5, wherein the compression material comprises powdered magnetitemixed with an acidic catalyst.
 8. The energy storage device of claim 7,wherein the acidic catalyst may be an aqueous solution with an acidicpH.
 9. The energy storage device of claim 1, further comprising a firstmetal disk positioned in the container at a first end of the containerand connected to the first terminal; a second metal disk positioned inthe container at a second end of the container and connected to thesecond terminal;
 10. The energy storage device of claim 8, furthercomprising: a metal liner along the inner surface of the container. 11.The energy storage device of claim 9, wherein a space exists between atleast one of the first and second metal disks and the metal liner.
 12. Aenergy storage device comprising: a container comprised of anon-conducting material and having an inner cavity; a compressionmaterial in the inner cavity of the container; a first terminal forconnecting an external circuit to the compression material; a secondterminal for connecting the compression material to the externalcircuit; a compression device positioned in the container that movesbetween a first position and a second position, wherein the firstposition applies compression to the compression material in the innercavity and the second position relieves compression on the compressionmaterial in the inner cavity; and a temperature dependent movementdevice that moves the compression device between the first position andthe second position based on the temperature of the energy storagedevice.
 13. The energy storage device of claim 12, wherein thetemperature dependent movement device moves the compression devicetoward the first position if the temperature of the energy storagedevice is below a threshold
 14. The energy storage device of claim 12,wherein the temperature dependent movement device moves the compressiondevice toward the second position if the temperature of the energystorage device exceeds a threshold.
 15. The energy storage device ofclaim 12, wherein the temperature dependent movement device is a thermalspring.
 16. The energy storage device of claim 12, wherein thecompression material comprises powdered magnetite.
 17. The energystorage device of claim 16, wherein the compression material comprisespowdered magnetite mixed with carbon.
 18. The energy storage device ofclaim 16, wherein the compression material comprises powdered magnetitemixed with an acidic catalyst.
 19. The energy storage device of claim18, wherein the acidic catalyst may be an aqueous solution with anacidic pH.
 20. The energy storage device of claim 12, furthercomprising: a metal liner along the inside surface of the container. 21.A energy storage device comprising: a container comprised of anon-conducting material; a magnetic material comprising powderedmagnetite positioned in the container; a first terminal for connectingan external circuit to the powdered magnetite mix; a second terminal forconnecting the magnetic material to the external circuit; and acompression device positioned in the container that applies a fixedforce to compress the magnetic material.
 22. A method for recharging aenergy storage device that includes two terminals and a compressionmaterial comprising magnetite that is compressed by a compression deviceapplying a fixed force to the compression material during operation ofthe energy storage device, the method comprising: applying a magneticfield to the energy storage device; determining the north and southpoles of the magnetic field using a magnetic field sensor; and orientingthe energy storage device such that terminals of the energy storagedevice are respectively pointing toward the north and south poles of amagnetic field as determined by the magnetic field sensor, wherein thepositive terminal of the energy storage device is oriented points towardthe North Pole.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the magnetic fieldis the Earth's magnetic field.
 24. A method of preventing overheating ofa energy storage device comprising: measuring an internal temperature ofa energy storage device by a temperature measuring device; determiningwhether the internal temperature of the energy storage device is above atemperature threshold; and applying a force to a compression materialusing a compression device if the internal temperature of the energystorage device is below the temperature threshold.
 25. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the compression material comprises powdered magnetite.26. The method of claim 25, wherein the compression material comprisespowdered magnetite mixed with carbon.
 27. The method of claim 25,wherein the compression material comprises powdered magnetite mixed withan acidic catalyst.
 28. The method of claim 24, wherein the compressiondevice is a piston, the temperature measuring device is a thermalspring, and the piston is pushed toward the compression material by thethermal spring when the internal temperature of the energy storagedevice is less than the temperature threshold.
 29. The method of claim28, wherein the thermal spring applies less force to the piston when thetemperature is above the temperature threshold, thereby decompressingthe compression material.
 30. A method of using a energy storage devicecomprising: compressing a compression material contained within theenergy storage device using a compression device; connecting a firstterminal to an external circuit; receiving a current from the externalcircuit through the first terminal; transmitting the current from thefirst terminal to the compression material; storing a charge in thecompression material; connecting a second terminal to the externalcircuit; and driving a current to the external circuit by passing chargestored in the compression material through the second terminal.
 31. Themethod of claim 30, wherein the compression material comprises powderedmagnetite.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the compression materialcomprises powdered magnetite mixed with carbon.
 33. The method of claim31, wherein the compression material comprises powdered magnetite mixedwith an acidic catalyst.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein thecompression device is a piston that is pushed toward the compressionmaterial by a thermal spring that applies force to the piston.
 35. Themethod of claim 34, wherein the compression material is compressed bythe compression device when an internal temperature of the energystorage device is below a temperature threshold.
 36. A method of using aenergy storage device comprising: connecting a first terminal to anexternal circuit; receiving a current from the external circuit at thefirst terminal; transmitting the current from the first terminal to acharge-storing material contained within the energy storage device,wherein the charge-storing material comprises magnetite; storing acharge in the charge-storing material; connecting a second terminal tothe external circuit; and driving a current to the external circuit bypassing charge stored in the charge-storing material through the secondterminal.
 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising: compressingthe charge-storing material using a compression device.
 38. The methodof claim 37, wherein the charge-storing material comprises powderedmagnetite mixed with carbon.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein thecharge-storing material comprises powdered magnetite mixed with anacidic catalyst.